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Samsung Galaxy Watch FE launched for $199, features 1.2-inch AMOLED display, Wear OS, durable build

Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Watch FE (Fan Edition). It is the first FE-branded smartwatch from the company. Here is a look at the specifications, features, and price of the device.

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE specifications and features

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE

The Galaxy Watch FE has a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display that offers 396 x 396 pixels resolution. The screen is shielded by a layer of sapphire glass. It comes only in a 40mm variant and features an aluminium case.

The Watch FE is powered by the Exynos W920 SoC, accompanied by 1.5 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, and a 247 mAh battery. Running Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI 5 Watch overlay,

When it comes to connectivity, the Galaxy Watch FE offers features, such as Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, and multiple satellite systems (GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo). Durability is a highlight, with the watch boasting an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a 5ATM rating for diving, and MIL-STD-810H certification.

The Galaxy Watch FE is designed to track over 100 different workouts, offering advanced running analysis, personalized heart rate zones, and body composition analysis. Sleep tracking features include monitoring sleep patterns, sleep coaching, and creating a sleep-friendly environment. The watch also supports heart health monitoring with HR Alert for abnormal heart rates, Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) for atrial fibrillation detection, blood pressure monitoring, and ECG. It is equipped other sensors, such as accelerometer, barometer, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, and light sensor.

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE price

To sum up, the Galaxy Watch FE is a tweaked version of the Galaxy Watch 4, which was announced in 2021. It is priced at $199 and is set to go on sale starting June 24. It will be sold in shades, such as black, pink, gold, and silver. The watch also comes with new watch bands featuring blue and orange stitching An LTE version will be available in October for $249.99.

Xiaomi 14 Civi vs Vivo V30 Pro: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Xiaomi recently introduced the 14 Civi as a new competitor in the crowded mid-range smartphone market in India. Its starting price and target audience are similar to those of the Vivo V30 Pro. 

With both phones appealing to similar users, it’s natural for us to wonder which one provides better value for the money. In this comparison, we’ll explore the design, display, cameras, performance, battery life, and software of both phones to help you make an informed decision.

Xiaomi 14 Civi vs Vivo V30 Pro Comparison

1. Display and Design

Vivo V30 Pro
Vivo V30 Pro

The Xiaomi 14 Civi features a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, allowing the refresh rate to adjust based on content. The screen has a resolution of 1236 x 2750 pixels and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Xiaomi 14 Civi

In contrast, the Vivo V30 Pro offers a larger 6.78-inch AMOLED display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1260 x 2800 pixel resolution. However, it lacks LTPO technology and comes with a slightly inferior Schott α glass. Both phones offer excellent contrast and vivid colors typical of AMOLED panels. 

Design-wise, both phones feature a sleek and lightweight build with a 7.5mm thin profile. They come with a glass back, and the Xiaomi 14 Civi also has a leather finish on the Cruise Blue variant of the phone. The V30 Pro has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance for ingress protection, while the Xiaomi 14 Civi lacks an official IP rating.

2. Performance and Software

The Xiaomi 14 Civi packs a punch in terms of performance with the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC. It’s a flagship-grade processor built for demanding tasks that can even run resource-heavy games with ease. 

The Vivo V30 Pro takes a different approach, opting for a more modest MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC. This processor is no slouch either; it can offer excellent performance for everyday use and most games. However, it will fall behind the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in benchmarks and raw power. So for users who demand top-tier performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi 14 Civi holds the edge. 

Both phones offer up to 12GB of RAM paired with up to 512GB of storage. On the software front, the Xiaomi 14 Civi runs HyperOS based on Android 14, while the Vivo V30 Pro runs FunTouch OS 14, also based on Android 14. 

Notably, the Xiaomi 14 Civi will receive 3 Android upgrades and 4 years of security updates, whereas the Vivo V30 Pro will get one year less for both software upgrades and security updates.

3. Camera System

The rear camera setups on both phones feature triple-lens configurations. The 14 Civi includes a 50MP main, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 50MP telephoto sensor all of which are equipped with a Leica Summilux lens as a result of the partnership between renowned camera brand Leica and Xiaomi.

The Vivo V30 Pro, on the other hand, is equipped with a 50MP main sensor and two additional 50MP sensors—one for ultrawide and another for telephoto capabilities. These lenses are co-engineered with Zeiss, another globally recognized camera brand.

Without in-depth camera tests, it’s hard for us to say which is a better camera phone. But since both the devices have a dedicated telephoto lens, you will be able to capture good portraits along with detailed zoomed-in shots of other objects. 

The front camera setup is where the Xiaomi 14 Civi stands out. It features dual 32MP lenses, one for wide and one for ultrawide shots, compared to a single 50MP wide lens on the V30 Pro. 

The dual cam arrangement on Xiaomi naturally provides more versatility for situations like taking group selfies with a large group of friends.

4. Battery and Charging

The Vivo V30 Pro takes the lead in battery capacity with a 5,000mAh unit compared to the Civi 4 Pro’s 4,700mAh battery. However, the difference may not be significant in everyday use, depending on how well each phone is optimized.

Both phones support fast charging, with the Vivo V30 Pro offering 80W speed and the Xiaomi 14 Civi supporting just 67W. 

Xiaomi claims that the 14 Civi can charge to 100% in 40 minutes, whereas Vivo says the V30 Pro takes 43 minutes to go from 1% to 100%. As a result, charging times will likely be similar, and the Xiaomi 14 Civi may even charge slightly faster due to its smaller battery. However, you can expect the Vivo V30 Pro to have better screen-on time due to its larger battery.

5. Price and Availability

Both phones offer similar pricing structures. The Xiaomi 14 Civi starts at Rs 42,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, while the Vivo V30 Pro starts slightly lower at Rs 41,999 for the same configuration. 

The price difference narrows for the higher storage options, with the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variants priced at Rs 47,999 and Rs 46,999 for the Xiaomi and Vivo respectively.

6. Conclusion

So, which one should you choose between the Xiaomi 14 Civi and the Vivo V30 Pro? It depends on what matters most to you. The Civi 4 Pro offers a more powerful processor, a better front-facing camera, and other small benefits like better software support and a modern LTPO display.

On the other hand, the V30 Pro has a slightly larger battery and is priced slightly lower. So when you compare the specs, the Xiaomi 14 Civi seems like a better option overall. 

However, we suggest you go through detailed reviews or direct comparisons to understand how they differ in terms of user experience, camera qualities, and overall usability to understand if the Xiaomi 14 Civi is the right buy for you.

What sets the Honor Magic V Flip apart in the competitive flip phone market?

The flip phone segment has seen a resurgence in recent years, with major players like Samsung, OPPO, Motorola, and Vivo introducing their own interpretations of this classic design. Honor, a prominent name in the smartphone industry, has now entered the fray with its first clamshell flip phone, the Honor Magic V Flip. Launched in China, the Magic V Flip sets itself apart from the competition with a host of innovative features and a unique dual-screen experience.

Honor Magic V Flip

1. Bigger External Display

The most striking feature of the Magic V Flip is its expansive 4-inch LTPO cover display with a 0.1-120Hz refresh rate. This is the largest external display seen on any flip phone to date, offering a remarkable 85% screen-to-body ratio. Unlike other flip phones where the secondary display is mainly used for notifications and basic interactions, Honor has designed the Magic V Flip to offer a true dual-screen experience.

The external display intelligently splits into two sections. The lower part houses notifications and time, while the remaining area is dedicated to running commonly used apps like maps, social media, and food delivery services. This allows users to perform a wide range of tasks without having to unfold the phone, enhancing convenience and productivity.

2. Premium Design and Build

Honor has not compromised on design or build quality with the Magic V Flip. The phone boasts a sleek and slim profile, measuring just 7.15mm when unfolded and 14.89mm when folded.

Honor has equipped the Magic V Flip with its proprietary Luban Hinge, which is designed to be ultra-durable, sturdy, and reliable. The hinge has received a five-star SGS certification, indicating its high quality and performance.

The inner display features a 6.8-inch 1.5K OLED panel with a 1-120Hz refresh rate and 3000 nits peak brightness. The phone also sports dual stereo speakers.

3. Good Enough Performance and Great Battery Life

Under the hood, the Magic V Flip is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage (UFS 3.1 storage).

Although the processor is somewhat outdated compared to the new flagship ones available like the 8s Gen 3 or even Gen 2, it still provides adequate performance for everyday tasks. The phone includes Honor’s self-developed C1+ RF enhancement chip, which aims to improve connectivity and overall performance.

The phone houses a 4800mAh battery, which is very impressive for a device of its size. Honor claims that the battery can be charged up to 45% in just 15 minutes with the 66W fast charging technology. The phone also features an ultra-thin liquid cooling system that ensures efficient heat dissipation during demanding tasks.

4. Impressive Camera System

The Magic V Flip doesn’t disappoint in the camera department either. It features a dual rear camera setup consisting of a 50MP Sony IMX906 main sensor with OIS and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The front-facing camera is a 50MP Sony IMX816 sensor, promising high-quality selfies and 4K video recording.

The camera software offers a range of features, including natural background blur, hover selfie, dual-screen preview, and 4K timelapse.

5. Software, Colors, and Pricing

The Magic V Flip runs on MagicOS 8, based on Android 14, offering a smooth and intuitive user experience. The phone is available in three attractive colors – Camellia White, Iris Black, and Champagne Pink – with a special limited edition model designed in collaboration with Jimmy Choo.

The pricing for the Magic V Flip starts at 4,999 Yuan ($689) for the base 8GB + 256GB variant, going up to 6,999 Yuan ($965) for the limited edition 16GB + 1TB model. In comparison, Samsung’s current-gen Z Flip 5 is priced at $999.99 for the 256GB version, with the 512GB version costing $1119.99. Therefore, the Magic V Flip is significantly cheaper while offering more value in terms of storage and RAM.

6. Conclusion

The Honor Magic V Flip is a compelling entry into the flip phone market, offering a unique combination of innovative features, powerful performance, and premium design. Its standout feature, the 4-inch external display, sets it apart from the competition and redefines how we interact with flip phones.

With its competitive pricing and impressive specifications, the Magic V Flip is poised to be a strong contender in the clamshell foldable segment, appealing to users who seek a blend of style, functionality, and cutting-edge technology.

OnePlus 10T June 2024 update: 6 bug fixes, June Android security patch & more

Back in April, OnePlus rolled out the OxygenOS 14.0.0.700 update for the OnePlus 10T, adding many quality-of-life changes to the operating system. The brand has now rolled out the OxygenOS 14.0.0.710 update which comes with the June 2024 Android Security Patch, bug fixes, and improved system stability.

OnePlus 10T OxygenOS 14.0.0.710 update changes:

Notably, it introduces the option to hide the track while drawing the lock screen pattern, improves system storage efficiency by fixing a bug where system data occupies excessive space, and resolves an issue preventing the use of NFC-enabled payments. Additionally, the update eliminates a glitch where two volume sliders could appear at the same time.

For communication, the update ensures that the device vibrates for phone calls and correctly displays phone numbers during call forwarding. As for gamers, this update makes the OnePlus 10T more stable while gaming and fixes the black screen issue that occurs while playing some games.

The update is being released in phases, so some users may receive it earlier than others. It is currently available in both Indian and European regions.

If you haven’t received the OTA update notification, you can manually check by navigating to Settings > About Device > OxygenOS > Check for Update. OnePlus encourages those who have already updated to report any further issues by dialing *#800# and selecting the bug report option.

In related news, OnePlus is working on its next-generation flagship smartphone called the OnePlus 13. The camera specifications of this upcoming device were recently leaked, revealing that it will use the Sony LYT-808 primary camera, which is also found on the OnePlus 12. The ultrawide and periscopic telephoto cameras will be using new sensors, so we expect improvements in those departments. Despite having the same primary camera sensor, the OnePlus 13 could offer improved performance. However, it will largely depend on the ISP capabilities of the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, which is said to power this flagship.

(Source)

China Mobile Hits a Milestone with World-Class Hollow-Core Fiber Test, Pushing Boundaries of Optical Networks

China Mobile has taken a significant leap forward in optical network technology with the successful launch of the first 800G hollow-core fiber transmission test network. Conducted in Shenzhen-Dongguan, Guangdong, this groundbreaking experiment showcases the potential of this next-generation technology.

The test achieved impressive results on a 20-kilometer link

The test, completed in collaboration with domestic optical fiber, cable, and equipment manufacturers, focused on verifying the performance of anti-resonant hollow-core fiber under real-world conditions. This included simulating various challenges like pulling, squeezing, water vapor exposure, and outdoor welding.

CHina Mobile

The test achieved impressive results on a 20-kilometer link. Key technical indicators, including hollow-to-hollow core fiber welding loss (0.05 dB), hollow-to-solid core connection loss (less than 0.3 dB), and optical cable loss after laying (0.6 dB/km), all reached “world-class levels.”

Hollow-core fiber (HCF) utilizes a novel air light-guiding mechanism, guiding light through air instead of traditional glass. This technology has the potential to overcome the limitations of solid-core fiber, offering significant advantages in backbone and data center transmission.

China Mobile’s experiment extended beyond basic performance verification. By employing a single-wavelength 800Gbps wide-spectrum optical transmission system, they successfully conducted a 20km single-core fiber bidirectional 128Tb/s ultra-large capacity transmission test. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of deploying anti-resonant hollow-core fiber in complex network environments.

Another key aspect of the test involved constructing the first hybrid optical cable using both anti-resonant hollow-core and solid-core fibers. This cable successfully met basic mechanical property standards for stretching, flattening, bending, impact, and torsion.

The experiment faced an unexpected challenge – Typhoon Malis struck Shenzhen and Dongguan during the laying phase. Despite these harsh weather conditions, China Mobile, alongside domestic industry partners, conducted the first-ever test of anti-resonant hollow-core fiber cable technology in a complex pipeline network environment. This resulted in the completion of a hollow-core optical cable for a typical financial dedicated line route within the Greater Bay Area, offering a potential 30% reduction in optical link transmission delay.

While the test results are promising, China Mobile acknowledges the need for further advancements. Their focus will be on reducing hollow-core fiber loss and optimizing fiber structure design to enable large-scale production. Additionally, they plan to implement a collaborative R&D model for ultra-800G transmission systems and fiber design, accelerating the development of anti-resonant hollow-core fibers and their corresponding optical communication systems.

(Via)

McLaren Extreme & Sport electric mountain bikes unveiled as the world’s most powerful street-legal e-bikes

British carmaker McLaren is known for manufacturing supercars that have serenaded the motorsports world. The brand’s entry into the EV market is highlighted by the release of two powerful electric mountain bikes. The McLaren Extreme and Sport models are claimed to be the most powerful street-legal e-bikes in the market.

McLaren Extreme Electric Mountain Bike

The two new McLaren e-bikes were manufactured completely in-house. This is a marked departure from the common practice of automakers collaborating with bike makers in delivering their branded two-wheelers. The same in-house team that designed both bikes is responsible for the design of the hybrid Artura. The new McLaren’s e-bikes, as should be expected, bear the imprimatur of the McLaren philosophy of speed and durability. The new e-bikes come with a carbon fiber frame and orange accents.

The McLaren Extreme and Sport mountain e-bikes are not as stout as some of the rugged electric mountain bikes out there. The flagship versions of the McLaren Extreme and McLaren Sport are powered by a custom-tuned mid-drive motor. The electric motor has a normal power output of 600W and 825W peak power. It packs up to 119Nm of torque and its output makes the motor the most powerful currently in the market. There are five different ride modes available in the new McLaren electric mountain bikes.

McLaren Extreme Electric Mountain Bike

The top models in the new McLaren electric mountain bikes have a top speed of about 34 km/h (20 mph) which is a decent delivery for the bikes. Both models are similar in many regards but there are also differences between them. The Extreme model is equipped with a full suspension system that makes it well-suited for off-road movement. The Sport version is a more versatile model and has a more streamlined aesthetic outlook. Both models can effectively be used on urban roads and trails. Both models have handlebar-mounted displays with graphics akin to what is found on a supercar.

Pricing & Availability

The bikes are equipped with a set of Pirelli all-terrain tires and are now available for purchase. The Extreme and Sport eMTBs can be purchased starting at $10,950 and $7,950 respectively. McLaren says the models are available in limited numbers but the actual production quantities were not specified.

Vets are using the Apple Watch to monitor the heart rate of lions

The efficient heart rate monitoring functionality of the Apple Watch seems to be capable of monitoring not only humans but also animals. A conservation veterinarian discovered that if you have a sedated lion, you could monitor its heart rate by wrapping an Apple Watch around its tongue.

Apple watch

The discovery of functionality of the Apple Watch heart rate monitoring on lions was discovered by Australian wildlife veterinarian Dr. Chloe Buiting. A recent Instagram video showed an anesthetized lion with an Apple Watch strapped to its tongue. The veterinary doctor described how the Apple Watch is helping conservation vets to these powerful patients during medical examinations and surgeries.

The idea of strapping an Apple Watch on a sedated lion to monitor its heart rate was first mooted by Dr. Fabiola Quesada and Dr. Brendan Tindall, both wildlife conservation vets. The functionality of the Apple Watch is not limited only to lions. It has been used for other animals including an elephant. Dr. Buiting says the smartwatch was taped to the ears of the elephant and it delivered accurate readings.

The Instagram video of the sedated lion being monitored using the Apple Watch was posted by Instagram user jungle_doctor. The post highlights that the deployment is a true technology meets conservation story. It says the finding is very important because one of the biggest challenges of working with animals in the field is the monitoring of anesthesia without much of the equipment you will have in a hospital setting. Additionally, many monitoring devices are often designed for smaller animals and this affects the accuracy of readings when such devices are used on larger animals or furrier/ scaly animals.

The discovery of an unintended capability of the Apple Watch also signposts a growing use of technology to tackle challenges on the field for wildlife conservationists. Apple has not released an official statement on the impressive story. It is also not clear which Apple Watch was used to monitor the lion’s heart rate, although all Apple Watch models come with heart rate monitoring.

(via)

Despite controversies, the Panasonic Lumix S9 is enjoying huge patronage as supply shortages loom

The Panasonic Lumix S9 has been the subject of controversy of late due to using stock images taken from a Nikon camera allegedly. The company has had some turbulence since the announcement of the Lumix S9 earlier this year. Now, ahead of its official shipping date of June 20, Panasonic has released an official statement that says there will be delays in the delivery of the camera.

Panasonic LUMIX S9

Despite the backlash from the promotional images of the Lumix S9, it seems customers are still eager to get their hands on the compact full-frame camera and this has triggered potential delivery delays for the product. In the recent official statement, Panasonic again acknowledged its error in using stock images from other manufacturers to promote the Lumix S9. It then confirmed that there will be some delays when the Lumix starts to ship on June 20. It stated that it had received more pre-orders than was expected, therefore some customers who may have pre-ordered will not receive their product on the release date.

The present supply shortages of the Lumix S9 have drawn comparisons with the Fujifilm X100V and X100VI. Both models are compact cameras and seemed to have caught the fancy of many fans and customers alike. However, Fujifilm was unable to meet the demand for extended periods. It is not evident yet whether the Panasonic Lumix S9 will go the same route as the Fujifilm X100V/ X100VI. It is expected that the supply shortages for the Lumix S9 will ease within a short time. When this happens, the Lumix S9 can then start getting the requisite reviews suitable for its innovative and compact design.

(source)

Realme turns out to be the most popular smartphone brand among young Indians

Market research firm Counterpoint Research has conducted a survey on Indians between the ages of 16 and 25 to know what are the most important parameters to them when it comes to a smartphone purchase. The survey shows that “value for money” and the “latest technology” are the two most important factors for them. 25% and 18% of the respondents opted for these two factors respectively.

Realme is preferred due to its value for money offerings with latest tech and stylish design

The data also reveals that Chinese smartphone maker realme is the most popular among young people in India. 58% of the respondents in the 18-25 age group voted for realme. The company is preferred by young people for offering the latest technology, value for money, and stylish design in the sub-INR 20,000 price range. For context, Xiaomi and vivo rank in the second and third position with 54% and 53% votes respectively.

The survey reveals that a significant one-fourth of the respondents see “value for money” as the most important factor behind a purchase decision. This is closely followed by the use of the latest technology in the device.

Commenting on the popularity of realme among the age group, Senior Analyst Arushi Chawla noted that the young generation approaches its smartphone purchases with strong enthusiasm. He also mentioned that the latest tech, a value-for-money deal, and a stylish look are considered to be the most important factors for a smartphone among the youth. He revealed that nearly 60% of the country’s smartphone market falls in the sub-INR 20,000 price range.

Back in February this year, another market research firm IDC also published their survey report on the Indian smartphone market in 2023. According to the report, after experiencing a significant decline in market share in Q3 last year, realme still ranked third in the country with a market share of 12.5%.

(Source)

Get Poco X6 5G 8GB + 256GB model for just Rs 17,999, Here’s how

Earlier this year, Poco released the X6 5G smartphone in India with a starting price of Rs 21,999 for the 8GB + 256GB model. Now, the device is available to purchase for as low as Rs 17,999. Here’s how you can get this offer.

Poco X6 5G offer:

POCO X6 5G deal

The Poco X6 5G 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage model is currently selling for Rs 18,999 on Amazon India. In addition to that, there is also an additional Rs 1,000 instant discount for ICICI Bank credit card and debit card users. This offer brings down the effective price of the Poco X6 5G to Rs 17,999.

Poco X6 5G specs:

The Poco X6 5G features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (1220 x 2712 pixels), a 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, and the device has an IP54-rated chassis for added durability.

Poco X6 5G

The X6 is set to receive three Android OS upgrades and four years of security patch updates. It comes with MIUI 14 based on Android 13 and is expected to soon receive the HyperOS upgrade. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, and it includes LPDDR4x RAM, UFS 2.2 storage, and a 5,100mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging.

The X6 has a 16-megapixel front camera. On the back, it features a 64-megapixel main camera with OIS, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera.

The device competes against the likes of the Redmi Note 13 Pro. However, it does have a few advantages over the Note 13 Pro. So if you are stuck between the two, we recommend you check out this article before making your decision.

Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 visits 3C certification, confirming the satellite variant

Following our earlier exclusive report revealing a satellite variant for Xiaomi MIX Fold 4, recent news from ITHome indicates the phone has surfaced on the 3C certification database. This suggests an official launch might be nearing and actually confirms the satellite variant.

The new phone appearing on the 3C certification has the model number 24072PX77C. While the certification doesn’t reveal the marketing name, this is expected to be Xiaomi MIX Fold 4. The 3C certification also confirms that the device supports 67W charging and will ship with Xiaomi’s MDY-15-EQ charger.

This makes the Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 Xiaomi’s first foldable device with satellite connection feature. Xiaomi had previously introduced phones with satellite connection in Xiaomi 14 series, but this is the first foldable phone to feature it. The internal codename for the Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 is N18, and it is expected to debut with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. As a foldable device, the MIX Fold 4 will come with a dual-cell battery, expected to have a typical capacity of 5000 mAh, with 2390 mAh + 2485 mAh cells.

Additionally, the phone will feature a quad-camera setup. It will be equipped with a 50-megapixel OV50E main camera, an OV13B ultra-wide-angle camera, an OV60A close range telephoto (2X), and an S5K3K1 periscope telephoto camera (5X). For selfies, it will have a 16-megapixel OV16F front camera, and it will include a side fingerprint sensor.

Related:

Honor quietly launches its latest affordable phone with Helio G85 and 5200mAh battery

Honor has quietly listed its latest addition to the X-series online. The X6b targets the budget market with a combination of eye-catching colors and entry-level specifications. Let’s go through the specifications and availability details here.

Honor X6b Design(2)

Honor X6b Specifications

The phone is built around a large 6.56-inch display. However, it is a TFT LCD panel with HD+ resolution, which may not be ideal for users seeking a sharper viewing experience. Partially offsetting this is a 90Hz refresh rate which will offer smoother scrolling and animations.

The front camera sits within a waterdrop notch, and Honor has also included its “Magic Capsule” feature. The latter is a software-based solution that expands system toggles and selects apps around the notch for a more integrated user experience.

Honor X6b Design

Under the hood, the X6b is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, a dependable chip for everyday tasks but not designed for heavy gaming or demanding applications. Users can choose between 4GB or 6GB of RAM, alongside either 128GB or 256GB of storage.

Honor X6b Specifications

The rear camera system features a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, promising decent photos in well-lit conditions. It’s accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor, likely for assisting with portrait mode effects. The back panel also includes an LED flash and a space for what appears to be a sticker.

The software side sees the X6b running MagicOS 8.0 on top of Android 14. Keeping the phone powered is a 5,200mAh battery, which should offer good stamina on a single charge. It supports 35W wired charging for faster top-ups when needed.

Honor offers the X6b in a range of colors, including Forest Green, Starry Purple, Ocean Cyan, and Midnight Black.  The pricing and availability details haven’t been announced officially yet, but the X6b will be a budget-friendly option within the Honor X-series lineup.

(Source)

Opera One now runs natively for Windows on ARM

We know that Microsoft is working hard to enhance user’s Windows experience with the Snapdragon X Elite chipset. Devices with ARM chipsets offer long battery life without compromising performance. Windows on ARM isn’t actually something new; Microsoft started optimizing Windows for ARM processors a long time ago. However, there’s a challenge. It takes time for app developers to create software for ARM architecture.

A new software that runs natively on Windows on ARM is Opera’s web browser. Having software running natively on ARM is quite important because, without native support, software must run through an x86 to arm64 translation layer, which results in a performance loss. Apple also uses a translation layer named “Rosetta” to make possible to run x86 software on ARM processors.

In a recent blog post, Opera announced that the Opera One browser now natively supports Windows on ARM. If you have a Windows device with an ARM processor, you can download the new Opera One and see the new blog post from the given link.

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Minisforum launches UM880 Pro mini PC with Ryzen 7 8845HS, up to 64GB DDR5 RAM & more

Minisforum has launched the UM880 Pro mini PC in the Chinese markert. The pricing starts at 2498 yuan ($344). This mini PC packs a punch in a tiny form factor, making it ideal for space-constrained environments that still require strong performance. Let’s check out its key specs.

Minisforum UM880 Pro

Minisforum UM880 Pro Specifications:

The UM880 Pro features the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, built on the 4nm process with Zen 4 architecture. This translates to an 8-core, 16-thread configuration with a base clock of 3.8GHz and a max boost clock of 5.1GHz. The mini PC supports up to 64GB of DDR5 5600 dual-channel memory and dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 solid-state drives.

Minisforum claims significant performance improvements over the previous generation. The AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor offers a 20% performance increase compared to the R7 6800H, while the integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics card based on the RDNA 3 architecture delivers a 20% boost over the Radeon 680M.

Minisforum-UM880-Pro

Minisforum has equipped the UM880 Pro with their Cold Wave 2.2 cooling architecture. This upgraded system ensures stable performance even under heavy loads, while keeping noise levels low. In performance mode, the cooling system can handle up to 70W.

In terms of connectivity, the UM880 Pro offers a versatile selection of ports. The front and back panels feature a 2A1C layout of USB ports, all supporting PD charging (65-100W). It also supports dual HDMI 2.1 and DP 1.4 ports that allows connecting up to four displays simultaneously.

Minisforum UM880 Pro

Additionally, the UM880 Pro boasts two USB4 ports and an OCulink interface for connecting an external graphics card expansion dock, further enhancing its graphical capabilities. Networking is handled by dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, enabling a flexible and fast network configuration.

The mini PC measures 130 x 127 x 66.6mm and it supports VESA wall mounting for versatile placement options. The device supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity.

Motorola razr 50 series to launch on June 25, first foldable with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

Motorola has finally announced the official launch date for the highly anticipated razr 50 series! razr 50 series is expected to include two different foldable phones: razr 50 and razr 50 Ultra.

Previously, many details about the razr 50 series had already surfaced. Specifications and render images of the phones are available online. In Motorola’s Weibo post, the company didn’t directly refer to the razr 50 series. However, they officially announced on Weibo that the “razr 2024 series” will be unveiled in June 2025, and it is highly likely that these devices are the razr 50 and razr 50 Ultra.

Earlier, Motorola razr 50 had appeared on Geekbench with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset. Additionally, the phone will come with 8GB of RAM and will ship with Android 14 out of the box. The razr 50 also features 33W fast charging and a 4200 mAh battery capacity. Other leaked specifications of the foldable phone include a 6.9-inch pOLED 120Hz main display, a 3.6-inch OLED secondary screen, and a 50MP + 13MP dual rear camera setup.

razr 50 Ultra, on the other hand, will come with the much more powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and will support 45W fast charging. The only downside of the Ultra model compared to the regular model is its 4000 mAh battery capacity. This could be because Motorola aims to produce a compact flagship foldable device. Motorola razr 50 Ultra is expected to feature a sleeker design than its predecessor, razr 40 Ultra.

With the launch date now revealed, the only thing left to do is to wait for the launch event. The phones will be unveiled first in China on June 25.

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Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is available for below Rs. 10,000 on Amazon India

Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy Buds 3 series earbuds, likely alongside the next-gen Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 phones. That said, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which debuted back in August 2022 has received an attractive discount in India.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro which launched in India for a price tag of ₹17,999 is currently available for as low as ₹9,999. On Amazon India, the earbuds are currently going for ₹10,949. In addition, there is a ₹1,250 discount on HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI transactions of 6 and 9-month periods. If you don’t want to get locked into a 6-month or 9-month EMI period, there is also a ₹1,000 discount on a 3-month EMI using an HDFC Bank debit card.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro specs:

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has a design similar to the OG Galaxy Buds Pro, with silicone ear tips for a better fit and noise isolation. They feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that can reduce ambient noise by up to 33dB, and they also support a transparency mode.

The Buds 2 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.3 and is rated IPX7 for water resistance. Each earbud has a 10mm driver, providing 24-bit Hi-Fi sound for clear and rich audio. They support 360-degree audio for an immersive experience and use Dolby Head Tracking for a cinematic sound feel.

For calls, the Buds 2 Pro has three microphones—two outside and one inside—to help reduce background noise. The Voice Detect feature adjusts the sound when you start talking, switching from ANC to Ambient Mode to help you hear the conversation better.

Samsung claims the battery life of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is up to 8 hours on a single charge with ANC off, and up to 29 hours total with the charging case. The earbuds can be charged via a USB-C port or wirelessly, and a five-minute charge provides about 55 minutes of listening time.

Acer Unveils Go AI, a Powerhouse Thin and Light Laptop with Ryzen Muscle

Acer has officially launched its highly anticipated Go AI thin and light notebook series, boasting powerful AMD Ryzen processors and impressive features. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch display options, the Go AI series packs a punch with the AMD Ryzen 7 8845H processor. This powerful processor is paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 6400 dual-channel memory and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD for smooth and responsive performance.

The 16-inch model also has a dedicated numeric keypad

Both display sizes offer a WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution, 100% sRGB high color gamut, and DC dimming for comfortable viewing. The impressive 89% screen-to-body ratio maximizes screen real estate, while the 180-degree hinge provides added flexibility. The Go AI features a three-level backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in any lighting condition. The 16-inch model comes with a dedicated numeric keypad for increased productivity.

Security is a priority with a physical anti-peeping camera for peace of mind. Additionally, the chassis is constructed with a durable A/D double-sided metal design, ensuring a sturdy yet lightweight feel.

The 14-inch Go AI weighs in at 1.4kg, while the 16-inch model comes in at 1.7kg, making them both highly portable options. Both models boast a 17.9mm thickness and are equipped with a large-capacity 58Wh battery, offering up to 10 hours (14-inch) and 12 hours (16-inch) of battery life. Fast charging is facilitated by the included 100W gallium nitride Type-C charger.

Connectivity is well-rounded with two full-function Type-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, an RJ45 wired network port, a microSD card reader, and support for Wi-Fi 6 wireless networks. With a starting price of 3,999 yuan (approximately $590 USD), the Go AI appears to be a strong contender in the thin and light laptop market.

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Qualcomm Unveils Adreno X1 GPU, Powering the Next Generation of Windows on Arm Laptops

Qualcomm has unveiled more details about the Adreno X1 GPU, the graphics processing unit integrated into their upcoming Snapdragon X Elite/Plus processors. These processors will be the heart of Windows on Arm laptops launching next week.

The future generations can be expected to have the X2, X3 branding

The Adreno X1 represents the first generation of custom-designed graphics processing units for Windows on Arm systems from Qualcomm. The “X1” designation signifies the initial generation, with future iterations likely following a similar naming scheme (e.g., Adreno X2).

The highest configuration of the Adreno X1, dubbed the “X1-85,” boasts up to 6 shader cores with a total of 1536 FP32 ALUs (Arithmetic Logic Units). This allows it to process 96 texture units per cycle and deliver peak performance of up to 4.6 TFLOPS (trillion floating-point operations per second). Additionally, it can process a staggering 72 million pixels of data per second.

The Adreno X1 ensures compatibility with mainstream graphics APIs like DirectX 12.1 (Shader Model 6.7), DirectX 11, Vulkan 1.3, and OpenCL 3.0. This broad compatibility ensures developers can leverage the Adreno X1’s capabilities for a wide range of applications.

Qualcomm compares the Adreno X1-85 to Intel‘s Core Ultra 7 155H mobile processor with 8 Xe cores. They claim that the Adreno X1-85 can match or even surpass Intel’s GPU performance in several games, all benchmarked at 1080p resolution. However, specific details about game settings and test platforms remain undisclosed.

Qualcomm is also introducing the “Adreno Control Panel,” a dedicated application for managing game optimization and driver updates. This focus on user control and continuous improvement suggests Qualcomm’s commitment to refining the Adreno X1’s performance over time, with updates promised at least once a month.

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Marshall Minor IV With Bluetooth LE Audio-Ready And Wireless Charging Launched In India

Marshall has expanded its small range of TWS earphones in India which includes only three models. The latest offering from the British audio brand is the Marshall Minor IV true wireless earbuds. It has the company’s signature design language while also looking like Apple’s AirPods. Unfortunately, the TWS earphones lack ANC for its asking price tag. Read on to know what the device offers out of the box.

Marshall Minor IV specifications and features 

The Marshal Minor IV are in-ear TWS earphones with silicone ear tips. They feature a leather texture and knurled stems giving a premium feel. The bottom part of the stem is accentuated in a Gold color. The audio device is IPX4 water-resistant. Users can perform various tasks by tapping on the stem of the earphones. Meanwhile, removing and inserting them from the ear will automatically pause and play the music. 

The Marshall Minor IV is equipped with 12mm dynamic drivers. The company says that they deliver a signature sound that is also found on other devices. The earbuds are also acoustically tuned for an expertly balanced sound. They also offer a superior call quality without any distractions. The Minor IV are also Bluetooth LE audio ready for delivering higher audio quality with future-proofing technology. 

The Marshall Minor IV comes with Bluetooth Multipoint which makes it capable of connecting to multiple devices. The TWS earphones are claimed to offer 7 hours of usage and the battery life extending to 30 hours with the charging case. There is also an in-app battery management feature that aims to preserve the battery lifespan. It also delivers software updates over the air for improvements. The audio device supports wireless charging and also has a USB-C port. 

The Marshall Minor IV is priced at Rs 11,999 and available for pre-order on Amazon, Shipping will start on June 15. You can also purchase it from the brand’s official website

Honor Magic V Flip With 4-Inch 120Hz Cover Screen, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Launched In China

Honor has launched its first clamshell flip phone in China today. It is called the Honor Magic V Flip. The foldable phone takes on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, OPPO Find N3 Flip, Vivo X Flip etc. Like its competitors, the Magic V Flip also features a large secondary display but it is touted to be the largest in the industry along with offering a unique dual-screen experience. Read on to learn what else the foldable phone offers out of the box. 

Honor Magic V Flip specifications and features

The Honor Magic V Flip has a large 4-inch cover display on the back panel. It features a 120Hz LTPO display and 2,500 nits peak brightness. The external display intelligently offers a dual-screen experience compared to other flip phones. This is possible even with the dual camera rings as the area below them is used to display notifications and time. Meanwhile, the remaining portion is used to run commonly used apps like maps, social media, and food delivery services. The cover display can also play videos. 

Honor says that the Magic V Flip is equipped with the brand’s own Luban Hinge that is ultra-durable, sturdy, and reliable. It has also bagged five-star SGS certification. The foldable phone has a slim profile that measures 7.15mm when expanded and 14.89mm when folded. There is a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button.

The Honor Magic V Flip’s inner screen measures 6.8 inches bearing a 1.5K resolution. It offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and a 3,000 nits peak brightness for outdoor visibility. The screen features natural eye protection and a sleep-aiding display. The device comes with dual stereo speakers.

On the imaging front, the Honor Magic V Flip’s dual camera setup comprises a 50MP Sony IMX906 main sensor with OIS support and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The foldable phone has a 50MP front-facing selfie snapper. There are various features like natural background blur, hover selfie, dual screen preview, and 4K timelapse. 

Under the hood, the Honor Magic V Flip is equipped with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. The chipset is coupled with 12GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. There is also Honor’s self-developed C1+ RF enhancement chip. The flip-style foldable phone draws its power from a 4,800mAh battery unit with support for 66W fast charging. It also features an ultra-thin liquid cooling system for heat dissipation. Software-wise, the Magic V Flip runs on MagicOS 8 based on Android 14. 

The Honor Magic V Flip is offered in Camellia White, Champagne Pink, and Iris Black colors. The clamshell foldable phone starts at CNY 4,999 (~$689) for the base 8GB + 256GB variant. The 12GB + 512GB and 12GB + 1TB configurations are priced at CNY 5,499 (~$758) and CNY 5,999 (~$827). There is also a limited edition 16GB + 1TB option designed by international fashion icon Jimmy Cho. It carries a price tag of CNY 6,999 (~$965).